Always on our agenda - reducing our impact on the environment

We constantly look for solutions to minimise the environmental impact of our operations when selecting raw materials, energy sources, production methods or developing new products and processes.

PublishingPageContent 2

​Knowing our environmental impact

All UPM’s operations impact the environment both directly and indirectly: Forest management influences landscape, forest structure and biodiversity. Production processes release emissions into watercourses and into the air. Solid waste is generated at the production facilities and noise and odour need to be managed. Indirect impacts arise mainly from transportation and the procurement of raw materials, chemicals, fuels and power.

Lighter environmental footprint

Our target is to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations and products throughout the lifecycle; from raw material sourcing, production, delivery and product use, to the recycling and reuse of the products. At the mill sites, special emphasis is placed on the environmental aspects of air, water, energy, waste and local phenomena such as noise or odour.

​Acidification of the soil by airborne and water emissions; risk of pollution by landfill sites or by chemicals and oilcontaining equipment.

​Best practices for the storage and handling of chemicals; compliance with landfill permits and legislation (landfill insulation; gas collection and treatment, leachate watertreatment).

​ ​ ​* The purpose of limits for waste water load, airborne emissions and noise specified in the operation permits is to prevent any significant environmental impact.

Integrated management systems enable continuous improvement

The mills’ integrated, certified management systems, which include quality management, environmental protection and health and safety issues, are the practical tools used for environmental management. These systems embrace the principles of continuous improvement by target setting and monitoring of the implementation.

The Chain of Custody system for monitoring the origin of wood is also part of the mills’ integrated management systems.

Environment is everyone’s issue

The mills are responsible for ensuring that external obligations are met and that targets established internally are reached. The mills’ environmental managers or management appointee act as experts and handle practical aspects, development, co-ordination of environmental matters and reporting. The Vice President, UPM Environment and Responsibility, is responsible for Group-wide environmental issues.

Environmental issues are part of the day-to-day work of the entire personnel. Environmental competence is essential and respective training is organised with, for example, regular training for chemical handling, safety and risk management or general introduction for new employees.

Making progress by setting environmental targets

Environmental management is based on continuous identification of the environmental impact of the operations. Environmental impacts are a starting point for annual target-setting and development of detailed environmental programmes with measures, schedules and responsibilities. Implementation of targets is monitored regularly.

In addition to the specific targets outlined by the individual mills, the Group sets common long-term goals that apply to all sites, such as increasing the proportion of certified wood, decreasing water consumption and increasing the reuse of waste.

Clean Run supports environmental performance and awareness

Clean Run aims to lessen the environmental impact of all UPM operations. The goal is to significantly improve the current level of environmental performance and awareness, including better risk management.

The campaign has been visible in the pulp and paper mills since 2011, and has become a proactive way of managing environmental operations at mills. Systematic reporting and follow-up of environmental deviations, including reporting of environmental observations, are in active use at all pulp and paper mills. Company-wide guidelines for producing reports according to five defined categories have been implemented. The five categories range from 1 (minor) to 5 (serious).

Together with improved information sharing, Clean Run audits have helped to identify development issues and related best practices. With all of the actions taken, the “Clean Run Way of Thinking” has become part of daily routines.

Management of environmental risks

All mills take specific actions to prevent environmental hazards. Environmental risk assessments are carried out to identify potential risks. The most significant risks at the pulp and paper mills relate to process malfunctions and to the transportation, storage and handling of chemicals at the mills.

The results of the risk assessments are documented at the mills. This data is updated, if any changes are made to the process.

In the event of accidents or emergencies, the mills take precautions to prevent or mitigate the harmful environmental impact. Most mill sites have their own fire department or fire crews who are trained in such a way that they are also able to intervene in cases of chemical accidents.

UPM Fray Bentos pulp mill does not impact on Uruguay River

The recent report by CARU (Comisión Administradora del Río Uruguay) confirms that the UPM Fray Bentos mill fulfils the strictest environmental criteria and the operation of the pulp mill does not have an impact on the Uruguay River. CARU published its monitoring results in November 2016, corresponding to 50 inspections carried out since 2011.